Three area Catholic schools will undergo significant changes at the start of the 2014 school year.

Under Holy Cross Academy Catholic School's "Transitioning for Growth" initiative, St. Joseph's campus at 126 Columbus Ave. NW, will close at the end of the school year. St. Peter's campus at 706 Cleveland Ave. NW, and St. Louis campus in Louisville, will become Family Preschool Centers.

Monsignor Lewis Gaetano, Holy Cross president and pastor of Christ the Servant parish, made the announcement Tuesday, first breaking the news to staff from St. Peter's, St. Joseph's and St. Louis.

Approximately 27 teachers and 270 students will be affected.

Gaetano said the plan is three-fold: To strengthen Catholic identity within the schools, to enhance the academic advantage for Holy Cross students "within a 21st century learning environment," and financial stability.

Created in 2011, Holy Cross Academy consolidated Stark County's 11 parochial schools under a single system, with 11 campuses.

Gaetano said "Transitioning for Growth" is the result of five years of research and consultation with experts as well as with parishioners around the county. The plan has the approval of Bishop George V. Murry, head of the diocese.

The monsignor acknowledged that the change is difficult, "but necessary."

Gaetano noted that the plan was in response to demographic changes in Stark County; most notably a shrinking and aging population, and young families having fewer children. Each campus facility also was assessed.

In a prepared statement, Gaetano added: "There is no perfect plan that will please all of us. But there is tremendous opportunity ahead of us. We know that transitioning children from one campus to another is a disruption, but Holy Cross Academy will be there every step of the way to guide our families through this transition. But this transition is for the students."

Gaetano said the change means that 27 teachers will either be transitioned into the remaining campuses or laid off.

"We're trying to be sympathetic, and we're trying to be empathetic, but the harsh reality is there," he said.

Earlier in the day, St. Joseph School Librarian Sandy Griffin said it will be "heartbreaking" if St. Joseph's closes. A third-generation parishioner, Griffin's husband, Jim, attended the school, as did their three children and their nieces and nephews.

"The kids all went here," she said. "It's a heart-breaking situation, whatever's happening. ... all the teachers, all the office people and Mrs. Hug (principal) are doing an outstanding job. These teachers are working their hearts out."

In its heyday, St. Joseph's had 1,300 children. Today, enrollment is at 97.

CITY PRESENCE?

"It's a sad day," said Mark Esber, who said he attended St. Joseph, Central Catholic High School and Walsh University. "Catholic schools have become elitist institutions. If you don't have the money, you can't go unless you have a voucher. There needs to be a presence in the city of Canton of Catholic schools."

"In my day, there were 1,000 kids at St. Joseph; three grades of each," he said. "God help them if Pope Francis finds out about this."

But Gaetano said the remaining schools are deeply connected to the city population. Three of Holy Cross's 11 campuses accept EdChoice school vouchers.

"Part of our goal was that every parish would have a school, and every child would have accessibility, availability and affordability to a school in the system," Gaetano said. "That has not always been the case."

Rosemary Diamond, a member of Christ the Servant parish, has been hired by Holy Cross Academy as a "transition specialist" to assist students and families. Diamond also will oversee six "Transition Nights" to meet with families and set up individual appointments.

A former city councilwoman, Diamond is a licensed social worker, and a family liaison specialist and mediation coordinator for Stark County Family Court.

Parents will be notified by letter next week, informing them of the next step.

The Holy Cross Academy's remaining campuses are: St. Joan of Arc in Perry Township; St. Michael's in Plain Township; Regina Coeli/St. Joseph in Alliance; St. Mary and St. Barbara in Massillon; Sts. Philip & James in Canal Fulton, St. Paul in North Canton, and Our Lady of Peace School at 1001 39th St. NW.